Why JaVale McGee Might Just Fit in with the Denver Nuggets' Future Plan

Could the Denver Nuggets have found another quality piece to add to their already existing pool of talent in the long term?

The Nuggets did part with longtime center Nene in order to bring in future restricted free agent JaVale McGee from the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards were in need of change as they struggled this season under interim head coach Randy Wittman (who took over for the fired Flip Saunders). The change meant that the Wizards were going to send out youth while bringing in a veteran big man in exchange.

Enter JaVale McGee.

McGee entered the league in 2008 after two years of playing college basketball at Nevada-Reno before being drafted by the Washington Wizards.

McGee may be immature and at times gaining recognition for his wrongdoings on the court, though the Nuggets hope those will soon cease.

The Denver Nuggets see a seven-footer with incredible athleticism and the potential to become better by joining the up-and-down system that head coach George Karl wants the Nuggets to play.

With point guard Ty Lawson able to use his speed as an advantage to get past defenders, he should be throwing lobs to McGee and rookie Kenneth Faried, who has also seen more playing time as the season progressed.

However, if McGee can impress the Nuggets staff (he will become a restricted free agent meaning that the Nuggets can match any offer), he could very well find himself in Denver for the long term. The Nuggets are also aware that due to the lack of seven-footers (centers) in the NBA, there could be one or more teams that will overpay for a center’s services in free agency.

One thing working in the Nuggets' favor is that building their roster with youth and athleticism is a great way to build a contender in the NBA.